title: Fibroblast growth factor inhibits 5 alpha-reductase activity in cultured immature Leydig cells.
abstract: The present studies examined the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on 5 alpha-reductase activity of cultured Leydig cells from immature rats. Basic FGF inhibited both hCG- and 8-bromo-cyclic AMP-stimulated 5 alpha-reductase activity in a dose-dependent manner; however, it had little or no effect on basal enzyme activity. Inhibition was achieved with as little as 0.1 ng/ml bFGF, and maximal inhibition was observed with 10 ng/ml bFGF. These studies suggest that locally produced bFGF may play a role in modulating the age-dependent decline in 5 alpha-reductase activity in Leydig cells.
authors.affiliation: Research Service, W.J.B. Dorn Veterans' Hospital, Columbia, SC.
authors.forename: E P
authors.initials: EP
authors.lastname: Murono
authors.forename: A L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Washburn
mesh_terms: D013741:3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism*; D015124:8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007985:Leydig Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology*; D008297:Male; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D013739:Testosterone / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D015124:8-Bromo Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate; D013739:Testosterone; D005346:Fibroblast Growth Factors; D004247:DNA; D013741:3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase